International Students

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The New York Academy of Art welcomes international applicants for the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program. International applicants must have the equivalent of a Baccalaureate Degree from the US and demonstrate English proficiency.

Application requirements for international students are the same as for all applicants. In addition to the required materials of the MFA application, international students must submit the following:

Official Transcripts

Certified true copies of academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended in the original language issued. Official transcripts are documents sealed in an envelope issued by the institution that bears the signature of the Registrar and the seal of the institution. If not English, applicants must submit an official evaluation from World Educational Services.www.wes.org Certified official translations will also be accepted.

Transcripts must be sent directly from your undergraduate institution to the Academy to be considered official. The Academy accepts electronic transcripts through eSCRIP-SAFE, Naviance, Student Clearing House and other verified transcript servicers. Hardcopies of transcripts must be mailed directly to the Academy by the undergraduate institution:

Proof of English Proficiency

Those whose native language is not English must also demonstrate evidence of English language proficiency by supplying TOEFL or IELTS score.

The Academy requires a minimum TOEFL score of 80 on the computer-based test (550 on the paper-based test) or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. An interview with the Director of Admissions may supplement the TOEFL or IELTS for those applicants with low or below minimum scores. Please contact the Admissions Office, admissions@nyaa.edu to schedule an interview.

Those taking the TOEFL should use TOEFL School Code 1000 and indicate that scores should be sent to: New York Academy of Art, ATTN: Admissions, 111 Franklin Street, New York, NY 10013, USA.

Exemptions: International applicants who have completed a Bachelor’s degree at a US post-secondary institution or an institution in which the primary language of instruction is English are exempt from this requirement.

Scholarships

International applicants are eligible for all Academy merit-based scholarships. To apply, indicate that you are interested in applying for scholarships on the MFA online application form and submit a complete application by the filing deadlines. International students are encouraged to apply for the early consideration deadline.

Student Visas

The New York Academy of Art is authorized to offer F1 student visas for the MFA program. International students are expected to provide evidence of ability to pay full tuition and living expenses for the first year before a U.S. visa can be issued. Funding sources for international students are limited. It is critical that international students formulate a plan for funding the entire length of the MFA program during the application process.

International applicants to the MFA program must complete and submit the Academy’s Form I-20 Application with proof of funding documentation. Click here to obtain form. Fully accepted international students who have submitted proof of funding are provided with an I-20 Form. To obtain an F1 visa, students must make an appointment for a visa interview at their local U.S. embassy or consulate. The Form I-20 and supporting documentation must be presented at the interview.

Applicants already living in the US may be eligible to study at the Academy. Be aware that certain visas may limit international students’ ability to work in the US. For more information non-immigrant visas and the F-1 application process, please contact the Office of Admissions admissions@nyaa.edu